Injuries: M.Fitzpatrick (cut jaw and slight concussion), D.McKay (ankle) by P.Francis in the selected side

Game Review

Carlton's best result for the year against the eventual premiers.

In the reserves game, a long haired 'lout' by the name of Mark Jackson was terrorising the Carlton defence. Even then, he had a minor reputation!!

At Princes Park it was Carlton forward Mark Maclure at his dynamic best. Maclure marked strongly and opened up the Blues forward line in an eye-catching display that earned him best on ground against the Tigers. Maclure was well supported by the billiant Greg Wells who played a dazzling game in the centre where he kicked three goals. - Inside Football Player of the Year.

Star Richmond full-forward Michael Roach wouldn't class Princes Park as his favorite ground. In two appearances at the ground this season, Roach has managed to kick just one goal. He was held goalless by champion Hawk back Kelvin Moore in the first match of the season. Then in Saturday's match against Carlton, Geoff Southby restricted him to only one goal. Southby was outstanding with his spoiling tactics as well as outmarking Roach on numerous occassions with better judgement and anticipation. Roach's ordinary display at Princes Park this season are highlighted by the fact that he's kicked 90 goals in his other 17 matches. - Tony Greenberg Inside Football.

Carlton have certainly spent their money wisely on recruiting this year. The Blues 1980 recruiting list includes Phil Maylin from Sth Australia, Val Perovic from St Kilda and Greg Wells from Melbourne. Maylin has been a consistent player for the Blues all season on the wing. He's quickly adjusted to the quicker VFL tempo and has fitted extremely well into the talented Carlton line-up. Perovic is having his best season for years and has added even more strength and solidarity to the Blues brilliant backline. Wells was the centre of much controversy when he crossed to Carlton from Melbourne on the eve of the clearance deadline this year. The Blues were reputed to have paid more than $100,000 for Wells' services. But whatever they paid it's been well worth it as Wells has gone from strength to strength each week with the Blues as he gets used to his new surroundings and teammates. Carlton have been selective in their recruiting - they knew their trouble spots and went after suitable players to fill gaps. They may have spent plenty in securing players such as Maylin, Perovic and Wells. But not one cent has been wasted. - Tony Greenberg Inside Football

St Kilda's loss seems to be Carlton's gain. No, I haven't got my Alex Jesaulenko facts confused - I'm talking about Val Perovic, or "the Slav" as coach Percy Jones seems so fond of calling him. Perovic had a great beginning to League football and as one of the Saints best defenders won State selection. Now Carlton is reaping the rewards of the pre-season swap in which they gained Perovic's services. Big Val is one of the Blues most solid and hard-working defenders. He is part of an extremely tight Carlton defence and has joined the reliable Geoff Southby and the sturdy Bruce Doull in a formidable combination that opposing forwards are finding tough to break. Perovic seems determined to become a Carlton great and the way he has played this season, he's well on the way. - Steve Waldon Inside Football

Tagging in the Finals
If Richmond was to clash with Carlton I'd like to assume that Blues half-forward Wayne Johnston will be tagged heavily to nullify his impact on games on the big stage. The brilliant Wayne Johnston must be stopped and I think Mervyn Keane would be eligible for that job. Keane has played finals football and his experience would enable him to tag Johnston - he could do it all day because he has the pace to match it with the Carlton man. Johnston's left foot anywhere within 40 metres of goal is dangerous and needs to be stopped. - Kevin Sheedy Inside Football